Curious about the safety of dental X-rays? In this article we will break down the guidelines for dental X-ray exposure, addressing concerns about frequency and potential risks.
How Many Dental X-Rays Are Safe in a Month? The short answer is as many as needed.
While any X-ray exposes us to radiation, that is insignificant compared to the natural radiation we get from going out in the sun, living in houses, eating food, flying on planes, and so on. More in the rest of the article, read on…
The Importance of Dental X-Rays
Role of dental x-rays in diagnosis and treatment planning
Dental X-rays are fundamental diagnostic tools for every dental practice. They provide essential information about the anatomy of your oral cavity and the possible issues that could occur beneath the naked eye.
X-rays have become essential to modern dentistry as they offer a clear picture of your teeth and jawbone while helping your dentist detect oral conditions such as cavities, infections, tumors, and bone loss.
For dental professionals, this information is crucial to obtain an accurate diagnosis, understand the severity of the disease, and create the best treatment plan.
Benefits of early detection of dental issues through X-rays
Dental X-rays are key to detecting oral conditions in their early stages. For example, routine bitewing X-rays are the principal method to spot early cavities between teeth and identify numerous conditions on your tooth structure and bone.
Moreover, dental X-rays are a quick, non-invasive, cost-effective, and versatile diagnostic method with multiple applications and advantages.
Common types of dental x-rays
There are many dental X-rays used in modern dentistry. However, the most common types include:
- Bitewing dental X-rays: these are typically used during initial consultations due to their versatility and diagnosis advantage.
- Periapical radiography: these X-rays provide excellent detail and accuracy, making them indispensable for root canal treatments, detecting conditions in your jawbone, spotting fractures, and diagnosing periodontal problems.
- Panoramic radiography: this x-ray is taken outside your mouth to provide a general overview of your teeth and bones without too much detail.
- Lateral cephalometric radiography: this projection is essential for orthodontic treatments and to evaluate your progression.
Depending on your oral needs, your dentist may require one or multiple x-ray techniques to obtain the most detailed information for an accurate diagnosis.
Understanding Dental X-Ray Exposure
Dental X-rays work with a process called radiation. This physical effect uses electromagnetic waves to create images of your anatomy by projecting these waves through your tissues into a radiographic plaque.
When dental professionals take a dental x-ray, some of these electromagnetic waves are absorbed by your dense teeth and bone, while others pass through your soft tissues. This difference is reflected on the radiographic plaque, showing the classic black and white images.
Although it might sound like a harmful process, dental radiographs employ low radiation doses to capture indispensable images of your teeth and jawbone.
Comparison of radiation levels in dental x-rays with other sources of radiation
Despite the myths and misconceptions about dental x-rays, they are safe and harmless diagnostic methods.
For comparison, conventional dental X-rays produce a hundred percent less radiation exposure than a chest radiography. Also, a 5-hour plane trip delivers 50 times more radiation than a single dental x-ray.
Besides, we constantly receive background radiation from the sun, earth, and other objects. As a result, walking in the sun one day is equal to the exposure you receive on your dental radiography.
EPA states that “Generally, the radiation received during an x-ray is small compared to other radiation sources (e.g., radon in the home). The average annual radiation dose from natural background sources (for comparison) is 3.0 mSv (300 mrem).”
For comparison, a dental x-ray (four bitewings) exposes us to 0.004 mSv (0.4 mrem,) or 750 times lower than the average annual radiation we receive by living our daily lives.
Factors influencing the amount of radiation exposure during dental x-rays
The amount of radiation exposure you receive on your dental X-rays depends on the type of radiography. Panoramic and cephalometric radiographs need a bit more exposure to produce the required images.
Additionally, your dentist can vary the amount of exposure you receive depending on your teeth, the location of the affected area, and the technique used.
Guidelines for Safe Dental X-Ray Exposure
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), patients can receive as many dental x-rays as they require, as long as they are properly justified.
However, every dental X-ray must follow the ALARA principle, which stands for as low as reasonably achievable. This way, dental professionals can guarantee excellent images with the least effects on the body.
Different guidelines for adults and children
Children and pregnant women require specialized measures as they are more vulnerable to radiation exposure. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a thyroid collar and lead apron during their dental x-rays.
While most adults can receive as many X-rays as required for their treatment, regulatory bodies advise that children receive panoramic or other extraoral diseases after 6 years.
Frequency of dental x-rays for routine checkups and specific dental conditions
You should expect bitewings x-rays during your regular check-ups and at least one panoramic radiography yearly to spot the most common conditions and diseases.
However, if you suffer from certain oral diseases or are under dental treatment, this frequency might vary according to your needs.
Minimizing Risks Associated with Dental X-Rays
Use of protective equipment during dental x-rays
Thyroid collar and lead aprons are protective measures that you can request to prevent radiation exposure during your dental x-rays. Also, the equipment and materials must be appropriately regulated, serviced, and operative.
Importance of using digital X-rays for reduced radiation exposure
Modern digital X-rays and sensors significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional films. This top-of-the-notch alternative reduces exposure, procedure time, and the risk of contamination.
Alternative imaging techniques to limit the need for frequent X-rays
Although X-rays remain essential for dental practice, current technology advancements offer some alternatives. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides detailed 3D images by making the most out of 3D technology and software.
As a result, CBCT reduces the need for multiple X-rays and provides a three-dimensional perspective, being particularly helpful for dental implants, root canals, and numerous dental surgeries.
Conclusions
Dental X-rays have stood the trial of time. They are a safe and versatile diagnostic method used all over the world for numerous purposes.
While X-rays are reliable and harmless, you want to get the least radiation exposure possible. Thus, consider using the protection provided by your dentist and use digital X-rays to decrease the exposure while receiving excellent results.
